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Senior Spotlight: Ethan Wroten and Hannah Raboca

August 14, 2024
By Fremont Christian School

Fremont Christian School proudly spotlights two exceptional seniors, Ethan Wroten and Hannah Raboca, who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and passion in their academic and athletic pursuits. Their love for sports has led both students—who also happen to be close friends—to focus on kinesiology in their college careers. 

Discovering a Love for New Sports

Ethan began Fremont Christian School (FCS) in 7th grade, when he transferred from Prince of Peace Christian School. His transition to FCS was marked by his immediate involvement in the school's athletic programs, beginning with baseball. Despite joining mid-season, Ethan found a welcoming environment and quickly adapted to his new team.

Baseball, a sport not offered at his previous school, was just the beginning. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, but Ethan continued to participate in sports, highlighting his resilience and adaptability. Over the years, he discovered his true passion for volleyball and soccer, eventually choosing to focus on these sports by his sophomore year. Junior year saw Ethan balancing soccer, basketball, and volleyball, though he admitted that basketball was particularly demanding.

In his senior year, Ethan decided to concentrate on soccer and volleyball, opting to leave basketball behind due to his growing interest in other sports. Reflecting on his journey, Ethan emphasized the importance of enjoying the sports he played and the camaraderie with his teammates. "I've enjoyed every moment of it. It’s been great having great coaches and great teammates," he said, encapsulating his positive experience at FCS.

Ethan was named one of FCS’s Athletes of the Year, an honor granted by the Athletic Department to athletes who best fulfill all the qualities of the Warrior Athlete. An ACSI Distinguished Christian High School Student, Ethan was named an All-League Player by the Bay Area Conference/Bay Counties League and also received the gold President’s Education Award, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to students who maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and who score in the 85th percentile or greater in English or math on a nationally recognized test. Additionally, he is a recipient of the Vangie and Mike Lopez Scholarship, which was initiated to reward and encourage students who have been active and positive contributors to the FCS community, and the Leroy Cloud Scholarship, bestowed upon a student who best demonstrates Christ’s indwelling presence, shows spiritual maturity to the community, and plans to attend a Christian college or university.

He will be attending Westmont College in Santa Barbara, which his sister currently attends. After obtaining his degree in kinesiology, he hopes to work in physical therapy.

Balancing Athletics and Academics

Our other Athlete of the Year, Hannah has a long history with the school, having started at FCS in third grade. Her introduction to sports was influenced by her brother, leading her to start playing basketball in fourth grade. Over the years, she explored other sports such as soccer but ultimately found her first love in basketball.

Apart from sports, Hannah has a deep passion for music. She participated in the school choir and band, playing the trumpet and later the tuba. Her involvement in music provided a creative outlet and a different kind of team experience, enriching her high school journey.

In her senior year, Hannah decided to try volleyball, a sport she had previously avoided. To her surprise, she enjoyed it immensely and wished she had started earlier. Looking ahead, Hannah is committed to attending George Fox University in Oregon, where she plans to study kinesiology. Her interest in this field was sparked by her experiences in sports and her desire to help other athletes.

Hannah learned valuable lessons about teamwork, communication, and the importance of enjoying the game rather than playing for the audience. She advises younger students to "get out of your head and not play for the people in the stands," emphasizing playing for the love of the sport and for the glory of God. Expressing gratitude, Hannah thanked her family, especially her sister, who was her biggest cheerleader, and her coaches for their support and guidance throughout her athletic journey.

Hannah lettered in vocal music, basketball, soccer, and volleyball, was named an All-League Player for all three sports, and was recognized as an ACSI Distinguished Christian High School Student in academics, athletics, and Christian service.

The stories of Ethan and Hannah highlight the diverse experiences and growth that come from participating in athletics at FCS. Their dedication, resilience, and passion serve as an inspiration to their peers and future students, showcasing the profound impact of sports on their personal and academic development. Fremont Christian School celebrates these remarkable students and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.
 

Achieving Scouting’s Highest Honor

July 25, 2024
By Fremont Christian School

The journey to becoming an Eagle Scout is marked by perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to serving the community. FCS is proud to announce it has two Eagle Scouts among its students, Neil Makur and Shanmukh Prabhala.

Shanmukh’s Project

Recent graduate Shanmukh embarked on his scouting journey six years ago. His path to Eagle Scout was marked by gradual progress, with the rank of Life Scout attained over two years prior to his Eagle Scout project.

His Eagle Scout project involved a landscaping initiative for Olivera Elementary, where he had spent his elementary years. The project aimed to revitalize a plot of land on the school grounds, transforming it into a functional and aesthetically pleasing area for children to play.

The undertaking was no small feat. Shanmukh and his team spent five days leveling the ground, removing approximately three tons of clay soil. The challenging terrain required innovative solutions, including the use of specialized equipment such as a jackhammer and a tiller to break through the clay. Despite the physical demands, Shanmukh remained undeterred, showcasing resilience and determination throughout the project.

As the leader of the project, Shanmukh oversaw every aspect, from securing materials to coordinating workdays and managing timelines. His leadership skills were put to the test as he navigated challenges and motivated his team to stay focused on the end goal.

Reflecting on his journey, Shanmukh highlighted the personal growth he experienced, particularly in decision-making and responsibility. He emphasized the importance of being adaptable and thinking on one's feet, qualities that proved invaluable in leading a successful Eagle Scout project.

When asked about advice for aspiring Eagle Scouts, Shanmukh shared a nuanced perspective. While acknowledging the significance of the rank, he emphasized the importance of enjoying the scouting journey itself, rather than viewing it as a checklist. For Shanmukh, the joy was in the experiences gained along the way, with the Eagle Scout rank serving as a culmination rather than the sole objective.

Neil’s Project

Neil’s journey to Eagle Scout was a testament to his commitment to community service and leadership. Having been involved in scouting since fifth grade, Neil’s recent achievement of the Eagle Scout rank marked a significant milestone in his scouting career.

Neil with the final cabinet that was built.

For his Eagle Scout project, Neil undertook the task of constructing a mobile cabinet for Angel Aid, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting children affected by abuse and neglect. The project aimed to provide additional storage space for food donations, facilitating the organization's efforts in serving the community more effectively.

One of the most significant challenges Neil faced was balancing leadership with maintaining team morale. Despite encountering resistance from some team members more interested in socializing than working, Neil remained steadfast in his commitment to the project's success.

Reflecting on his journey, Neil highlighted the invaluable lessons in project management and problem-solving he gained throughout the process. The experience honed his organizational skills and reinforced the importance of thorough planning and preparation in executing complex tasks.

Looking ahead, Neil expressed a desire to continue his involvement in scouting, albeit acknowledging the logistical challenges posed by his impending college education. Nevertheless, his passion for community service and leadership remains unwavering, indicating a bright future ahead in both scouting and beyond.

Shanmukh and Neil’s journeys offer valuable insights into the transformative power of scouting and the pursuit of the Eagle Scout rank. We are so proud of you both!

Howard Kam to Represent Team USA in World Junior Wushu Championship

July 22, 2024
By Fremont Christian School

Since our previous post about FCS’s wushu stars, Howard Kam has received the remarkable honor of placing second in the qualifying competition, earning him a coveted spot on the USA Junior Wushu team. This achievement not only fulfilled a personal dream but also represented a significant milestone for Howard.

Wushu Wonder 

While Howard has previously competed for the USA as part of the B team in Pan American events, the elusive A team selection had remained just out of reach. So qualifying this year, he says, is the result of years of hard work. He expresses the immense satisfaction of seeing his efforts pay off.

With his selection to the USA Junior Wushu team, Howard now sets his sights on the World Junior Wushu Championship, set to take place in Asia this September. As he prepares to represent his country on the global stage, Howard's focus and determination remain unwavering. His rigorous training regimen and unwavering commitment underscore his readiness to compete at the highest level.

Howard attributes much of his success to his wushu coach, Hannah Gao (mother to Elena Chow, another wushu star at FCS), whose unwavering support and positivity have been a constant source of inspiration. “She always has more energy than all of us,” Howard says, admiring her dedication and ability to motivate her athletes with love and encouragement rather than pressure.

13-Plus-Year Student

Thirteen years is a long time to be part of any community, and for Howard, Fremont Christian School has been much more than just an educational institution. From his first day in preschool, Howard described FCS as a place filled with love and support. “FCS is a family,” he said, emphasizing the strong sense of community and faith that permeates the school. The environment at FCS has been a constant source of encouragement for Howard and his peers.

Reflecting on his 13+ years at FCS, Howard shared some of his favorite memories. He fondly remembers his first-grade teacher, Mr. Lam, who introduced him to the arts through the elementary musical. Another standout memory was his time with Miss Wong, who made him feel special and valued despite his hyperactive nature. “She made me feel like the coolest kid ever,” Howard recalled, highlighting the profound impact of her kindness and attention.

As Howard progressed through middle school and high school, he continued to encounter teachers who inspired him academically and personally. The transition to online learning during COVID-19 was a challenging time, but thanks to the efforts of Mr. Fu, the school’s activities director, students were able to maintain a sense of normalcy and community through virtual events and competitions.

As Howard embarks on this next chapter of his wushu journey, he carries with him the pride and support of his community. Representing Team USA at the World Junior Wushu Championship is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to his years of hard work and determination. We will all be watching in the fall to cheer him on!

Senior Spotlight: Harsha Rajkumar, Stephen Lo & Melody Zhang

May 30, 2023
By Fremont Christian School
Harsha at Duke University, which he will be attending in the fall.

As our latest class of seniors prepares to move into the next phase of their lives, Fremont Christian would like to recognize three standout individuals, starting with our valedictorian, Harsha Rajkumar, who will be attending Duke University in the fall. Although Harsha originally planned to be pre-med, he’s now leaning towards a double major of bioengineering and computer science, with a bent towards AI (artificial intelligence).

“But that might change, too,” Harsha says. “There are so many opportunities.” He is particularly interested in the research aspect of science, with which he already has a great deal of experience for someone his age. After transferring to FCS his freshman year, he became a mentee to Edward Njoo, a PhD candidate in chemistry at Stanford University. His first project was on the medicinal properties of certain herbs, which was followed by more internships at the GRIPS (Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford) program, where he researched complex organic chemistry synthesis reactions. Last year, he was a finalist in the Genes in Space competition, which allowed him to travel to Washington, DC, to present his project to a group of astronauts.

Harsha also participated in track and field for most of high school and joined the varsity baseball team (who placed first in their league this year) as a senior, an experience he enjoyed so much that he hopes to join a club at Duke. He credits this surprise love of the sport to Fremont Christian. “It's a small school but has so many opportunities,” he says. “The teachers and students just care for each other so much that you can get involved in any activity.” Even if the activity doesn’t yet exist: Harsha was instrumental in founding both the Medical Research Club and Speech and Debate Club. “That’s another plus for FCS: If you're interested in starting something, it's pretty easy to do.” 

He also feels that the close relationships with the teachers were beneficial in his education. “With small class sizes, I was able to learn a lot more. The conversations I had with teachers and students after class are something that I probably won't forget.” 

One of Harsha’s closest friends is co-salutatorian Stephen Lo. The two hit it off from their first day at FCS, back in freshman year, and not just because they had the exact same class schedule. “He's always smiling and laughing,” Harsha says. “He lights up everyone's mood.”

That’s an important trait to have when you’re the basketball team’s captain and MVP, as Stephen was. “Even though he's academically and sports driven, his personality is something that's gonna take him really far,” Harsha says about his friend.

Like Harsha, Stephen plans to study bioengineering, although he’ll do so at Pasadena’s California Institute of Technology, where he’ll also play for the school’s basketball team.

Stephen attended preschool at FCS but then went through the public school system through middle school. When he tried to enroll in high school, however, he wasn’t able to take the classes he wanted, so he—and his twin brother—transferred back to FCS. “Fremont Christian has a very flexible schedule and they let me take every class that I wanted,” he says. The twins’ younger brother soon followed suit and transferred as well.

Stephen at home on the court, where he was team captain and MVP.

In addition to basketball (and taking every AP class that FCS offers), Stephen also participated in choir, an experience that saw the group perform in the FCS rendition of High School Musical, take second place at the Golden State Choral Competition, and even play at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall. He and Harsha also collaborated with the Alameda County Science Fair to form a nonprofit called the More-STEM Initiative, which partners previous fair winners with underprivileged students for virtual mentorships; Stephen and Harsha helped add a face-to-face component to the program. Somewhere in between all that, Stephen found time to act as head chaplain for the student body council and president of the Health and Science Club. 

“I just wanted to share a passion that I had, which was to help in science, and it was so easy,” he says, grinning ear to ear.  “It goes to show that anything you want to pursue [at FCS] you can. They provide the opportunities for you to achieve your full potential.”

Stephen is also very proud of his friend Harsha’s achievements. “FCS isn’t like a lot of other schools, where students don't want to help each other because everyone wants to be the best. Seeing Harsha and I both succeed at the highest level makes me so happy. It’s like a family dynamic at FCS. That's something I want to emphasize because we don't see each other as competitors. We’re all here to support each other and lift each other up to be the best that we can be.”

Co-salutatorian Melody Zhang echoes that sentiment. Melody transferred to FCS from a local public school just under two years ago—and she’s incredibly glad she did. “At FCS, you can actually feel the positive energy in the air. There’s so much school unity,” she says. 

Melody with her winning entry, “With Heavy Heart,” which is currently on display in the White House.

Once she landed at FCS, Melody made fast friends with other students—and even her teachers. FCS’s art teacher, Ms. Yuan, recognized Melody’s talent early on. 
“Over the last two years, I have witnessed tremendous growth in Melody 's leadership, self-management, and teamwork,” Ms. Yuan says. “She is creative and a good leader—and adept at problem-solving.I believe she will be a great artist in the future.” With Ms. Yuan’s encouragement, Melody entered the 2022 Congressional Art Competition, which she won for her district; her entry is currently on display at the White House. 

Melody cites Spirit Week as one of her favorite FCS memories. Due to her aptitude in art, she designed and drew all of the posters for this year’s Homecoming court. She also participated in Mandarin choir and founded the Creative Cards Club, which sends greetings to residents of senior homes. “We write uplifting messages and affirmations to remind them that they're not alone in the world and that there's always someone thinking about them,” she explains. 

After FCS, Melody will be attending the University of Pennsylvania to study graphic design and user experience. “Those are both really useful and a lot of fun,” she says. She hopes to use her degree to work on websites and potentially video games. “It's fun to see how even little changes to the design and the interface can totally enhance the experience,” she explains. 

FCS is incredibly proud of our seniors. We wish you the greatest of success!

Senior Spotlights: Jake Meyer and McKenna Nolasco

June 29, 2022
By Fremont Christian School
Fremont Christian School graduating seniors Jake Meyer and McKenna Nolasco

FCS is proud to highlight two of our standout seniors, Jake Meyer and McKenna Nolasco. No strangers to their classmates, both students have been exceedingly active in extracurricular activities, from sports to performing arts to student leadership.

Although not quite a 13-year student, Jake has been with FCS since the first grade and comes from a family of FCS grads. After graduation, he will attend Grove City College, where he will major in communication arts and enjoy the wide variety of seasons Pennsylvania has to offer. Jake chose his major because, he explains, he wants to help people, and he knows he needs to be able to communicate well with others to do so.

Fremont Christian School graduating senior Jake MeyerIn addition to the numerous sports teams he played on, Jake has been performing in student plays since elementary school and considers his castmates an extended family. He was also previously a member of class council and has served in other leadership roles. “I try my best to be kind and to reach out to everyone,” he says, adding that being voted Homecoming king felt like a recognition of those efforts. 

During his freshman year, Jake founded the FCS chapter of Best Buddies, an international organization whose mission is to create awareness of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and to provide support for those with them. As president of the chapter during his sophomore year, he attended a national leadership conference where he met other likeminded students from across the country. The experience is one of the main reasons he cites Best Buddies as a high school highlight, in addition to how the organization helped him to grow personally and learn more about treating others with respect. 

“The idea of high school is really fun,” Jake says, “but when it comes down to it, you’re going to be safe at FCS, whether it’s with other classmates or teachers. You feel very valued.”

Fremont Christian School graduating senior McKenna Nolasco

Classmate McKenna Nolasco has Jake beat by one year — she’s been at FCS since preschool. She will be attending Chapman University in the fall, where she’ll study business management and play soccer. 

Looking back at McKenna’s school involvement, it’s a wonder she fit it all in  — volleyball, basketball, school board, chorale, handbells, plays. She credits this ability to diversify to FCS and its staff. “Teachers work together to allow you to be part of multiple programs,” she explains.

“The school makes it possible to do anything you want to do.” As an example, she cites how her advisors allowed her to alternate one period between handbells and choir, rather than having to choose just one.

The faculty also made sure McKenna could participate in The Sound of Music her sophomore year, even though she had broken her leg. Their creative solution: cast her as a nun in a wheelchair so she could still use the gift of her voice. McKenna’s FCS performance history dates back to elementary school, when she and Jake both appeared as Munchkins in The Wizard of Oz.

Her affinity for leadership led her to participate in class council, where she helped plan Spirit Week and fundraisers. “I like to be a part of making those decisions and seeing it all come together,” she says. She was also the vice president of Best Buddies. 

McKenna’s family is another exemplar of FCS school spirit. Her brother Jeremiah graduated in 2013, and her mother has coached volleyball and basketball and served on the school board.

McKenna cites FCS’s small classes as one of its benefits. “You get to know teachers personally,” she says. “They know what’s going on in your life. That helps build a good connection, trust, and respect. I’ve always felt comfortable asking for extra help, which I think I’d be intimidated to do in a larger class.” 

One of her favorite memories was the Mexico mission trip during J-Term, where she had the opportunity to travel with a small group of friends to work together for a bigger purpose. She says the first house they built was for a family who had lived in a tent. “It really put things into perspective about being grateful for all we have here, including the opportunities,” McKenna says. “Seeing that your hard work means something is both humbling and rewarding. It’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”

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